Recent Paintings

Here's a picture of the canal near Beeleigh painted from a photo I took when I was in Essex a few weeks ago . I have painted this tree several times but mostly in the summer with the sun shining  through the translucent green leaves with cool deep reflections in the water. This time it was a surprisingly sunny late November day. Most of the trees had lost their leaves but not the oaks which were still resplendent in their golden crowns.

This is another picture I painted this weekend. It's of the east shore of Loch Lomond a few miles north of Balmaha from a photo I took when I did a 3 day West Highland Way this summer. Both these paintings are for sale at my Etsy shop.

Last week purchased a pair of vibram five fingers. I have been tempted by these weird looking running shoes( they are like gloves for feet with separate toe pockets) since I first read Born to Run about six years ago However I was put off by the price (£100 or more) and  my fear that they are a bit gimmicky. However I spotted apair for £67 on Amazon and took the plunge So far I have been very impressed . They are very comfortable and have a more protective sole and better grip than many of the other minimalist shoes I have tried.

West Highland Way Training Run

I'm just back from a three day West Highland Way run.
 I took the train to Milngavie on Monday and started at about 12.30. It was a lovely sunny day- as it was when I last ran the West Highland Way in June. Then bluebells were out and the cuckoo was calling . This time  there was meadowsweet, rosebay willowherb,foxgloves and himalayan balsam  in flower. The cuckoos have sadly departed for Africa.
 I love the variety of the West Highland Way. It starts in thge suburbs of Glasgow goes through a wooded park then into farmland, then forestry, moorland and heatherclad hill. Then comes the gorgeous but lengthy Loch Lomond section before the dramatic mountains and high passes.
I used to find the first section of the WHW a bit boring; I was always champing at the bit to get into the real Highlands, but the last couple of times the weather has been fine and the countryside has looked so beautifully green and the wild flowers so profuse that I really enjoyed it.
At Balmaha I bought food and water at the shop then carried beside Loch Lomond.There was a lovely holiday atmostphere with children in swimming and families having barbecues on the shore.
As the evening progressed I began to wonder where to spend the night . Previously I have slept under a rock or just bedded down in my bivvy bag on the path . However the two hazards of sleeping  out in this area are the rain and the midges- there was no rain but the midges were fierce.
  I followed a new sign pointing out the lower route of the West Highland Way( which I have never done before as I normally keep to the upper track) and chanced upon the Rowchoish bothy. I normally try to get beyond Inversnaid on the first day but the bothy was a chance of a midge free night so I decided to stay. There were three guys from East London there and later an unexpected but enchanting  visitor: Hearing a rustling  noise in the eaves I put my headtorch on and there sat  a pine marten chewing  a piece of plastic. For a while he hid behind a beam but his tail was hanging down in clear view.
The Londoners asked whether I minded that they had set an alarm for 8am, I said that I too was planning an early start, but I didn't have the heart to tell them that I had set my alarm for 3.30am. I was back on the trail by 4.00 am.

Loch Lomond on Tuesday-it was a beautiful sunny afternoon.

I found running  on the second day quite tough partly because I didn't get any coffee in the morning! I had hoped to get some at Beinglas but they were not yet open when I passed. It was a beautiful day although it became cloudy later on. The lack of caffeine and tiredness started to tell on me by the time I reached the switchback path through the forest above Crianlarich and I fell and grazed my arm.
At Strathfillan campsite I finally got some coffee and it was very welcome.Refreshed I picked up speed and arrived at Bridge of Orchy at midday nearly three hours before my train: I could have spent longer in bed! I treated myself to a pint of guiness in the hotel.
At home I had a bath, a nice meal, and a good sleep before getting the morning train back to Bridge of Orchy for the final leg. The  forecast for Wednesday was dire - The weather map showed a band of rain sweeping across Scotland . In the event it wasn't too bad , the rain was persistent but only heavy at times, and it was surprisingly warm. The sixty miles over the previous two days were telling  on my legs but I was able to keep up a reasonable pace.
At Kingshouse I spoke to a man in a high viz vest who told me that they are going  to knock most of the hotel down and build a bigger version! The Kings House is a historic 17th century hotel(one of the oldest licensed premises in the country) with a lot of character, and is in an iconic position at the gateway to Glencoe. I do hope they don't lose that character in the modernization, and  that some of the older parts will be retained ( apparently the climber's bar is staying).
 I reached Kinlochleven by 2pm but struggled on the climb on to the Lairig Mor, however even in the rain the  pass is a beautiful place and I was able to savour this last section.
I cheated on the  final mile  because Helen had  come  to the Braveheart car park and was waiting  too pick me up.
As always doing the WHW is a very satisfying  way of training , it is a route I know and  love but it doesn't get any easier. It is a good test of fitness which at the moment is a bit lacking.

Sketch of two ladies on the train from Bridge of Orchy

Glorious Summer Weather

Last week I jogged the  the West Highland Way, in some glorious summer weather.
 I started at lunchtime on Tuesday having got the train  down to Milngavie.
 The first section to Drymen  I normally find the least inspiring section . However on Tuesday it was delightful. In Mugdock park there were carpets of bluebells .The trees were a brilliant green with deep dark shadows.On the road section the hedgerows were a profusion of wildflowers; pink campion , more bluebells , buttercups and  cow parsley. My main concern on the first day was getting  enough to drink and getting enough salt on board. I stopped at Balmaha shop, the hotel at Rowardennan and at Inversnaid to buy drinks. I really enjoyed running  along  in the sun, but by far the best bit was beyond Rowardennan.By then  the crowds of WHW walkers were gone and I had the trail to myself . It was a beautiful evening, the heat of the day was away but the low sun still shone . The pictures below are from two of the many photos I took.
 At Inversnaid I couldn't resist a half of guiness; by then I was parched and  it tasted delicious ! In previous years when I have done a three day West Highland Way it has always been raining by this point and I normally sleep under a particular rock I know of near Inversnaid . This time I was more concerned by the clouds of midges so I found  a high point  on the path hoping for a breeze off the loch to keep them away. I bedded down in my bag in the middle of the path and  got a few hours sleep.

Day 2 I always find tough . Carrying a sleeping bag ,bivvy bag,spare clothes ,waterproofs, food and  water (and of course sketchbook and paints) makes running just  that little bit harder. I stopped to write in Dario's book ( close to the bothy ) and was glad to see the usual suspects were keeping  up the tradition of writing  there. I didn't linger for long as the  midges were getting  fierce.

Woodland by Loch lomond

I normally get a coffee at Beinglas Farm but on this occasion I was too early ( 7AM), so continued without the stimulation of caffeine. The day started to heat up again as the morning  progressed and by the Crianlarich woodland section I had slowed down considerably. This section is a switchback trail through the forest and  can be fun if one is feeling fit - but I wasn't ! Lack of fitness,sleep and caffeine  were taking there toll and  I was unused to the heat. However a cup of tea , at Strathfillan  sorted me out and  by the time  I got through Tyndrum I was starting  to pick up. I did the last section of the day  much faster than I expected and arrived  at Bridgeof Orchy before midday with 3 hours to spare to catch the train . So I went and  sat in the river for a bit then did a sketch.

I took the afternoon train home for a good feed and  a solid night's sleep in my own bed then got the morning  train back to Bridge of Orchy for day 3. The train fare is far less than paying  for accomodation and  allowed me to leave some of my gear at home . I suppose a purist would have bivvied for a second night but is so much easier running  with a light rucksack.

Unbelievably the third day was hot as well ! Fortunately a brisk breeze kept me cool running . and I had a great time.. Again I had to buy drinks at every opportunity as most of the streams were almost dry .

I arrived in Fort William about 5 minutes to late for the 5.35 train but fortunately Helen was able to pick me up. 

Although I am quite unfit it was a glorious run , Great weather from beginning  to end and the scenery was stunning as always

West Highland Way Race 2015

So it is all over for another year; the West Highland Way race done and dusted. For us it is the best,  most important and most enjoyable race in the calendar.
I took a few days off last week to organise my kit - loads of food which I knew I probably would not be able to eat (you never know what you will fancy during a race), lots of spare clothes that I knew I would probably not wear( but you never know what the weather will do ). Also medical kit, gas stove midge nets and repellents - the list was endless.
 On Friday afternoon we drove to Milngavie, stopping off for our traditional fish and chips at the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum.
 Race registration is a great time for meeting up with various friends from around the country (some of whom we only see at the whw race)
I was slightly nervous about the race because after my back problems and other health issues I hadn't done enough training and I wasn't very fit.
At 1 am precisely we set off from Milngavie a mere 95 miles and 14,760 feet of climbing between us and Fort William!
The first part of the route is for me the least appealing but in the dark it went by swiftly. It is a good time to chat because everyone is relaxed and running comfortably. I ran  for a while with a guy from Cumbria who had done the Bob Graham round and the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc(UTMB). I can remember his running shoes but my memory of his face and that of the other runners at this stage blur into one beneath the glare of their headtorches. After Drymen it started to get light but with the drizzle  and fog it took some time before we could switch our torches off. The conditions were perfect for  running though- the rain was never heavy enough to need waterproofs and quite refreshing.
At Balmaha I met my trusty support crew who really were on top form, mug of tea and food at the ready.
The Loch Lomond section is one of my favourites- I just love the verdant, luxuriant forest the twisted lichen draped trees , the wild garlic, the bluebells and may blossom. Round every corner there is a view that cries out photograph me , paint me.In my imagination this is what the woods Tolkien's Middle Earth would look like. All the while there is the ever present and seemingly endless Loch Lomond that separates this wonderland from the main A82 road and its noise, traffic and crowds of tourists.
For once Inversnaid wasn't completely midge infested- one of the intrepid checkpoint volunteers had even dared to lift the veil of his midge hat!I downed some cold coffee and some custard  and carried on. I felt that I was going quite well and began to dream of doing a decent time.

About a mile before Beinglas I felt a stabbing pain in my right hamstring which worsened with every step, it felt as if I'd pulled  or torn a muscle and I thought my race was over. However the slow climb out of Beinglas was a chance to walk  and rest . The pain continued but slowly abated over the next 20 miles or so.
From here on my lack of fitness began to show and my pace started to drop. At Tyndrum I found myself thinking how fine it would be if I was just doing The Highland Fling Race and stopping there instead of carrying on for another 42 miles! I went through just as the relay race was starting and envied the fit young athletes sprinting past me.
Still I started to pick up after Bridge of Orchy being buoyed up by Murdo, Pete, Bob and others providing jelly babies and music on top of the hill. I ran a lot of the climb on to Rannoch Moor( probably a mistake) and overtook several people before the ski centre . By now I was enjoying myself again .There were several other runners around me  running at similar speeds.It was nice to say hello and wish each other well. Throughout the race there was a great atmosphere amongst the runners , supporters, marshalls and walkers on the trail . Without exception everyone was cheerful and friendly.
I can honestly say my support crew were  incredible . On the descent to Kinlochleven I was slightly nauseous but thirsty. I was fantasising about a cool beer, but then realised that what I desired more than anything else was a cold tango . Helen who by then was running with me texted her sister to  buy some at the shop . Ten minutes later I had a yearning for some chicken but I thought it unfair to mention this and necessitate another visit to the supermarket. When we arrived at Kinlochleven there was a bottle of ice cold tango waiting for me and some chicken that my wonderful support crew had purchased just in case I fancied it! Both went down down a treat.
Ten years ago when I first ran the West highland Way Race I had a terrible time on the Lairig Mor . Warm humid weather and running shoes with a semi waterproof lining turned the soles of my feet to mush . The rocky terrain was agony to run over and I walked most of the way.Since then I have grown to love rather than fear The Lairig Mor. This time I was far more comfortable. The rain had stopped and sun shone through breaks in the cloud. I was overcome by a wave of emotion .Weary and sore I may have been but I was so so happy to be running the West Highland Way Race being supported by my lovely wife.Can life get better than that?
The last section from Lundavra to Fort William was tough, I was very slow and felt faint, the euphoria I experienced in the middle of Lairig Mor had evaporated .The miles seemed to crawl by .I was overtaken by several runners but had no regrets because I was physically unable to go any faster.
The forest track seemed long as always ( the disadvantage of living in the area is that you know exactly how far it is to the end ) as did the road. Then I saw the 30mph signs of Fort William and knew at last it was almost over.  Round the corner and into the Leisure centre and it was .
It was by far my slowest WHWrace  at 22.12.01 but faster than my prediction of 24 hours.  As always it was a great adventure with its highs and lows and emotional moments.
The cut off for the end of the race is midday on Sunday when the presentation starts. Every finisher is individually presented with much a coveted  engraved crystal goblet. The winner for the 3rd time in a row was Paul Giblin an outstanding athlete who deserves to be more famous. He broke his own course record taking only 14 hours 14 minutes and 44 seconds to finish. Compare this to the winning time 10 years ago of  18 hours 57 minutes. In how many other races is the winning time slashed by over 4 hours in the space of 10 years ! Jamie Aarons was the first lady finishng in 19.28.23.
After the presentation we had a rest then went to the pub for a celebration with all our West Highland Way pals. The beer flowed , the craic was good, and we stayed until closing time. All in all it was a fantastic weekend . Ian Beattie and his team have once again made this iconic race a great success .Roll on next year!

A recent picture of Loch Sunart

Highland Fling

Running alongside Loch Lomond ( watercolour painting form a photo)

We are just back from the Highland Fling Race.
It is ten years since Murdo MacDonald  started the event to help runners prepare for the West Highland Way Race. Back then there were less than twenty runners, now it has developed into the biggest ultra event in Scotland with an amazing 647  people finishing the tough 53 mile course from Milngavie to Tyndrum.
 As always the organisation of race director Johnny 'Fling' was top notch .
Everything had been thought of . There was an official race hotel ( available at a very cheap rate for runners),and free bus to the start. There were lots of  portaloos (reducing that pre race stress of queueing for ages as the minutes tick away to the start).There was tea and coffee for sale as well.
 The race operates on a drop bag system. At the start you hand in bags containing your choice of food and drink which are then given back to you at checkpoints during the race. There's no  frustrating search for your bag, as you run into the checkpoint your number is shouted out by the marshalls so other volunteers can pick out your bag and have it ready and open ! Large bins were provided further down the trail so you could jettison wrappers and bottles after you had consumed their contents,as I said everything had been thought of.
I have had some good runs on the Fling normally finishing at around the 9h.35 mark . Last year was a disaster as I had a bad cold and had to walk the last 12 miles. This year I feared a similar result. - my back problems have prevented me from doing my normal level of training and my fitness is really poor.
We all wore chips on our ankles to record our exact time at the start and at various points in the race. I started off in the 10 -12 hour group at a comfortable pace but before long the excitement of it all got to me and I went a bit too fast. Scenically the first 12 miles are not exceptional but beyond Drymen the magic starts. From the top of Conic Hill Loch Lomond is arrayed in front of you with its many inlets and islands. I used to dread the 6 miles from Balmaha to Rowardennan but I have grown to love them . It always seems a very long 6 miles, but what a  great trail!.Across beaches around  bays through woodland and up and down hills, it is a delight.
The weather had started cold and wet but by Loch Lomond it was dry and the sun was shining. After Rowardennan there is a section on forestry tracks which I often struggle with before the way narrows to a rocky path and the views of Loch open up. For a road runner wanting to get from A to B as quickly as possible such a path would be very frustrating, but it is the sort of running I really enjoy. Every step is different; up and down, twisting and turning, rocks to clamber over, tree roots to jump, bridges to cross (some with ladders).There are waterfalls, caves ,wild flowers, feral goats.Fourteen miles of gorgeous trail.
Several times I was almost overwhelmed by emotion. I felt so happy to be able to run an ultra in such a beautiful place, especially after the issues I have had with my back. There is a small rise near Cnap Mor with a wonderful view back along the length of Loch Lomond.Friends erected a West Highland Way marker post dedicated to Dario who was director of the West Highland Way Race for many years. I always pause here for a few seconds to enjoy the view and contemplate life.
After Beinglas there is for me another difficult section of seemingly never ending track but by this stage the end is a reachable. I found myself flagging by Crianlarich, the lack of training really starting to show.I had put my heart into the Loch Lomond section and by the infamous 'cow poo corner' had very little left in the tank. But by and by the miles were covered.
Close to the end there are pipers playing each runner in. That for me is the signal to attempt a finishing sprint, I always find myself grinning from ear to ear as the elation hits me. The finishing straight was lined with flags and actually red carpeted. Once over the line a team of volunteers removed timing chips and distributed goody bags containing sparkling wine,T-shirt and buff ,  we were ushered into a large marquee and offered free beer, soup, baked potatoes tea, coffee and ice cream. As before everything had been thought of with lots of special touches - real ales, filter coffee,Mackies ice cream. Even the toilets were posh with pictures on the walls and moisturiser as well as soap .
My time was half an hour slower than my best but I had a fantastic day. The winner Mathew Laye was over 3 hours faster than me finishing in 7 hours and 4 minutes ! The first lady Rachael Campbell finished in 8 hours 42minutes.
 It was for us an amazing race experience, the organisation, the route, the perfect running weather. Well done and thank you to Johnny and his team!

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Sketches of people on the train- I had no time to sketch during the race!